As we know, and research supports, young children’s literacy development is crucial to building a foundation for future language acquisition, communication skills, and later reading success (National Early Literacy Panel [NELP], 2008). Springtime provides a wonderful opportunity to foster children’s literacy skills by offering new experiences and vibrant outdoor settings that can ignite children’s natural curiosity. Let’s explore some some research-based strategies for enhancing young children’s literacy skills in the spring.
1. Engage in Nature-Based Storytelling
Being outside in the spring presents many unique opportunities for storytelling and vocabulary expansion. Whether you take a walk, play in the yard or have a picnic, encourage children to describe what they experience with their senses (e.g., see, hear, feel) such as flowers blooming, birds chirping, wind blowing, or insects crawling. Take this even further and weave these observations into interactive stories. Research suggests that storytelling enhances children’s language skills by increasing their understanding of sentence structure, new vocabulary, and narrative comprehension (Isbell et al., 2004).
2. Read Spring-Themed Books
Decades of research has found that reading aloud to young children is one of the most effective ways to develop early literacy skills (Galea,C. 2024). Choose fiction and non-fiction books that reflect spring’s seasonal changes, such as The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle or When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes. These types of books introduce concepts related to the season and can expand children’s vocabularies and cognitive skills.
3. Incorporate Singing and Rhyming Activities
Singing and rhyming support children’s phonological awareness (segmenting words into parts) which is a key component of early literacy development (Grofcikova,S. & Macojova,M. (2021). Singing songs such as “Five Little Ducks”, “If All the Raindrops Were Lemon Drops or Gum Drops”, and “The Ants Go Marching” can help children recognize sound patterns and improve their memory skills. When children can identify rhyming words, have them create their own spring-themed rhymes using real and nonsense words to enhance their language skills.
4. Encourage Scribbling and Writing
Writing and drawing with sidewalk chalk, crayons, or finger paints develops children’s fine motor skills and early writing abilities. Research shows that early writing activities contribute to later reading success by helping children understand the connection between spoken and written language (Puranik & Lonigan, 2011). Encourage children to draw pictures about their spring adventures, to draw and write outside and then narrate their illustrations.
5. Visit Local Parks and Gardens for Interactive Literacy Experiences
Visiting zoos, botanical gardens, farms, and parks are opportunities for children to make real-world connections with language. Research indicates that interactive learning enhance vocabulary acquisition and comprehension skills (Neuman & Celano, 2006). On these outings, have children label objects, ask them questions, and have conversations with them about what they see and hear.
Spring activities nurture young children’s literacy development through engaging, hands-on experiences. Caregivers and educators support children’s essential language and literacy skills and their future academic success by incorporating nature-based storytelling, reading aloud, singing songs and rhymes, encouraging early writing, and facilitating interactive learning,
Lynne Hall is a research associate at the Indiana Institute on Disability & Community’s Early Childhood Center. She holds a Master of Science in Education and an Indiana instructional teaching license (Early Childhood Education and Services; Elementary/Primary Generalist; Elementary/Intermediate Generalist). She formerly taught preschool in a variety of settings for over 15 years. Her expertise includes early literacy instruction, equitable strategies, and inclusive preschool classroom practices.
Email her at hallma@iu.edu
References
Bus, A. G., van IJzendoorn, M. H., & Pellegrini, A. D. (1995). Joint book reading makes for success in learning to read: A meta-analysis on intergenerational transmission of literacy. Review of Educational Research, 65(1), 1-21.
Galea, C. (2024, November). Global study shows benefits of reading to babies from birth. The Australian.
Goswami, U., & Bryant, P. (1990). Phonological skills and learning to read. Psychology Press.
Grofčíková, S., & Máčajová, M. (2021). Children’s rhyming ability in the context of phonological awareness. European Journal of Contemporary Education, 10(2), 425-436.
Isbell, R., Sobol, J., Lindauer, L., & Lowrance, A. (2004). The effects of storytelling and story reading on the oral language complexity and story comprehension of young children. Early Childhood Education Journal, 32(3), 157-163.
National Early Literacy Panel (NELP). (2008). Developing early literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel. National Institute for Literacy.
Neuman, S. B., & Celano, D. (2006). The knowledge gap: Implications of leveling the playing field for low-income and middle-income children. Reading Research Quarterly, 41(2), 176-201.
Puranik, C. S., & Lonigan, C. J. (2011). From scribbles to scrabble: Preschool children’s developing knowledge of written language. Reading and Writing, 24(5), 567-589.
Swanson, E., Vaughn, S., Wanzek, J., Petscher, Y., Heckert, J., Cavanaugh, C., & Tackett, K. (2011). A synthesis of read-aloud interventions on early reading outcomes among preschool through third graders at risk for reading difficulties. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44(3), 258-275.
Whether it be naptime or bedtime, reading to young children before they go to sleep fosters several developmental skills, including language acquisition, cognitive growth, and emotional bonding. A consistent rest time reading routine promotes early literacy and strengthens the caregiver-child relationship which supports future learning and well-being. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of rest time reading and how to establish a rest time reading routine.
Even though we know the benefits of rest time reading, it can be challenging to create a regular rest time reading routine. Here are some effective strategies for establishing a consistent routine:
Engaging young minds by making story time interactive fosters their early literacy and cognitive skills development. Caregivers and educators can significantly enhance language acquisition, imagination, and social skills by making story time interactive. Recent research has found that interactive story time has a positive impact on children’s brain development, imagination, language, and learning. Interactive story telling activities help children become familiar with sounds, words, and language. They also reinforce the value of books and stories which can spark children’s curiosity and promote concentration. Beyond the cognitive benefits, interactive/shared reading experiences also strengthen social, communication, and emotional skills by supporting the bond between caregiver and child.
development. The rhythm and repetition found in music and poetry enhance memory and can make learning enjoyable.
Making story time an active, reciprocal activity encourages children to participate and learn. Interactive story time involves more than just reading to children. It involves an engaging and participatory experience that fosters early literacy and developmental skills. By incorporating songs, props, active participation, and meaningful interactions, caregivers and educators can significantly enhance the benefits of story time for young children.
In today’s digital age, screen time has become a routine part of children’s lives, even at a young age. We constantly have smartphones, tablets, and computers at our fingertips and concerns have emerged about how screen time influences developmental milestones, particularly in literacy. Birth to age 5 is a critical period for language and literacy acquisition, therefore it is important to be mindful of the type, quality, and amount of screen time used- because it can significantly affect cognitive, linguistic, and social growth.
literacy development. A recent study found that excessive screen time, particularly passive consumption of media like television and videos, can negatively impact language development in young children (Jackson, et al., 2021) . Too much screen time reduces opportunities for face-to-face interactions, which are essential for building vocabulary and comprehension skills (Jackson, et al., 2021). While interactive media, such as educational apps, can provide some benefits, their impact depends on how well children are engaged in active learning versus passive viewing.
A 2023 longitudinal study emphasizes the significant role of early reading habits and physical play in fostering foundational literacy skills (Lopez et al., 2023). The study found that children who were read to regularly and engaged in creative, screen-free play had superior reading comprehension and vocabulary development by age five compared to their peers who spent more time with screens (Lopez et al., 2023). These findings stress the importance of balancing screen time with traditional literacy practices, such as reading aloud and engaging in conversation.
intentional, educational, and interactive. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2021) recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5, and that the content is high-quality and interactive. Parents should also make time for traditional literacy-building activities like reading books, storytelling, and engaging in creative play, which help nurture language skills and cognitive development.
While screens are a convenient part of the modern world, it’s essential to understand their role in early literacy development and that they should not replace real-world interactions or traditional literacy practices. Balance screen use with face-to-face interaction by making sure the scale is tipping far to the face to face engagement side.
We know that reading and talking with children are key to developing children’s early literacy skills, but did you know that using baby sign language, a system of hand gestures used to communicate before young children are able to speak, is another great strategy? Recent research has shown that teaching babies and toddlers sign language not only helps them communicate more effectively, but can also enhance their cognitive skills, including language acquisition and literacy development.
Research suggests that children who are taught baby sign language tend to develop larger vocabularies and more advanced language skills at an earlier age compared to their peers who were not exposed to sign language (Cohen & Carmichael, 2023). Having a large vocabulary is crucial for later reading comprehension. In fact, vocabulary knowledge in early childhood has been shown to predict later reading ability and overall academic success (Snow, 2021).
Additional studies emphasize the positive impact of baby sign language on early literacy skills. A 2021 study published in Child Development Research found that babies who were taught sign language had a higher rate of word comprehension and earlier speech development (Cohen & Carmichael, 2023). Similarly, research conducted by the Early Childhood Education Journal (2022) revealed that baby sign language increased children’s development of early literacy skills, including letter recognition and phonemic awareness, when compared to those who did not use signs (Anderson & Anderson, 2022). In 2024, a study in Language and Learning found that using/teaching baby sign language enabled caregivers to connect with their child’s language development more meaningfully, thus allowing them to better support early literacy efforts (Wong & Haines, 2024). The study concluded that baby sign language provides immediate communication benefits and lays a solid foundation for future reading and writing skills.
Yes, the pictures do matter! Illustrations are more than just decorative elements, they are a key part of books that support children’s early literacy skills. Recent research emphasizes the significant impact of visual elements on young readers’ cognitive and language development. Let’s explore how the illustrations in children’s books foster early literacy skills.
When selecting books to support early literacy development, it’s essential to consider the types of illustrations that can enhance comprehension and engagement. Illustrations that are vibrant, expressive, and closely aligned with a book’s text can significantly help children understand and retain information.
So much to do and so little time. When you are busy trying to get everything done, it’s easy to overlook the potential for teaching early literacy skills during everyday chores. However, research suggests that daily tasks like picking up, cooking, washing dishes, folding laundry, and cleaning offer rich, natural opportunities for children to develop the essential language and literacy skills they need to thrive in the future.
Reading and Writing During Daily Tasks
Chores may seem like routine tasks, but they provide a rich opportunity to nurture children’s early literacy skills. By talking to children, asking questions, involving them in reading and writing, and using rhymes and songs, you’re helping them develop critical language skills. By incorporating these strategies, you can make literacy development part of children’s daily lives to help them develop a strong early literacy foundation.
You have a shelf full of award winning children’s books and yet your child or one of the children you care for wants to hear the Monster at the end of this Book for the thousandth time. Sound familiar? If so, and you can hardly stand to hear yourself read the words one more time, take heart! Hearing the same story over and over is not only cherished by young children, it’s a powerful way to develop their cognitive, emotional, and linguistic skills. Recent research has emphasized the profound benefits of repetitive reading including how it builds brain power and fosters essential skills in an engaging and accessible way. Let’s explore a few ways repeated reading benefits young children:
It also enhances comprehension skills. When children hear the same story over and over, they begin to anticipate and predict the plot which can foster greater engagement and participation in the reading experience. Plot predictability allows children to shift their focus to deeper aspects of the story including its emotional tone or the relationship between characters. This can build a more nuanced understanding of the material (Sénéchal et al., 2021). Repeated exposure to stories also helps children increase their memory and recall skills as they become more familiar with the content and the themes of a book (Sénéchal et al., 2021).
Finally, repeated book reading builds familiarity which allows children to engage with it in various ways over time as they grow. Children often focus on a book’s pictures first, then they may follow the story or memorize parts of it, and then they may start to identify themes or motifs across different books. This progression enhances their critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing them for more complex narratives and learning experiences as they grow (Wang & Chang, 2022).
Brrr…it’s cold outside and that provides extra opportunities to enjoy some book reading indoors. We know that introducing books to babies and toddlers is a crucial step in fostering early literacy skills, But what if a toddler just doesn’t seem interested or is even resistant to reading? It’s important to first understand what may be contributing to a child’s reluctance and then try some research-based strategies for nurturing a love for books. Research has shown that early exposure to books is foundational for later academic success. In fact, toddlers who engage with books regularly develop stronger vocabulary, listening skills, and cognitive abilities (Ramirez et al., 2022). However, some children may struggle to engage with books. Their reluctance can stem from various factors such as a child’s developmental stage, temperament, or lack of exposure to books (Jones et al., 2021). Even so, there are effective strategies that foster an early interest in books that can be tailored to meet individual children’s needs. Let’s explore some research-based strategies for developing a child’s interest in books.
et al. (2023) highlights that incorporating gestures, sounds, and questions can hold a child’s attention longer. Encourage them to point to pictures, mimic animal sounds, or act out actions in the story. Books with textures, flaps, or buttons also provide sensory experiences that can enhance engagement (Parker & Klein, 2021).
2. Enhancing Emotional Regulation
4. Promoting Self-Concept and Confidence